Topic: The correct key

I tend to play along with a CD (Original artists) Some of the sheets from Chordie dont seem to be in the same key as the original.
My ear is not great and I have tried moving a capo up the neck but it still sounds off. Is there any trick I can use to find out what the key is to the original song. Once this is known working out the rest would be easy.
Ian

Re: The correct key

ianth wrote:

I tend to play along with a CD (Original artists) Some of the sheets from Chordie dont seem to be in the same key as the original.
My ear is not great and I have tried moving a capo up the neck but it still sounds off. Is there any trick I can use to find out what the key is to the original song. Once this is known working out the rest would be easy.
Ian

Hi Ianth, try the transpose feature to the right of the song, to change key.  Welcome to Chordie.

   Badeye cool

one caper after another

Re: The correct key

I  do the same as you ian ... and find most songs on here are of the same key as the artists playing but now and again they are not ... all I do is pluck a few notes and work out what these notes would be if I used a chord with these same plucked ones . Sometimes takes a few seconds and sometimes longer . Just my way though ... I dont work with trying to use the capo to find them as I dont think to many bands use them and think most are basic chords - then using the great transpose thing on here . Though using a capo once you have found the original chords would be fine I suppose as a different way of harmonising ... thats just my way and no doubt others will have there way .

any resemblance to my songs sounding anything like the original is highly unlikely.

Re: The correct key

Hi Ian and welcome to Chordie,

I work slight differently to Badeye and Evsynator. I see no point in learning to play a song in say the original key of C when I need it in the key of G to sing it, so I will copy the recording to my PC and alter the key of it with the free Audacity programme and then transpose the song chords to suit.  OK, when you play along, the original artiiste will sound a little odd but, from the start, I will be learning it in a key that I can sing to. I find it is the best way to get to grips with the melody and timing of a new song I want to learn.


Roger

"Do, or do not; there is no try"

Re: The correct key

Hi  Roger, Badeye and Evsynator,

Many thanks for your reply guys. It will give me something to try until I get the skill to do it without thinking.

Cheers Ianth

Re: The correct key

I am a total beginner. I have just looked a t the chords for Coldplay's Clocks, can I finger pick this , or just strum the chords?
This is what I am wondering about alot of the Guitar skills, that I hope to learn.
thanks
BG

7 (edited by evsynator 2008-11-22 21:35:42)

Re: The correct key

Just checked that song out  for you on you tube ( I had to remember it ) ..... there are guys who can no doubt make a good job of that on accoustic ( on your own that is ) ... but I wouldnt recomend that for a beginner. Sounds a good one for accoustic for those with the skills  though ! You can finger pick it and add your own feel to it .. the chords are quite simple , go for it . We all start the guitar with the songs we love and move on from there . Not much of an answer .. hope it helps . Also ... a bit of picking plus strumming wouldnt be so bad - mix it up a bit ...... but dont you just hate it when a guy with a uklele comes along and proves us wrong ? lol

any resemblance to my songs sounding anything like the original is highly unlikely.